Thursday, 1 April 2010

Motorcycle Safety Studies Have Intriguing, Not-so-Surprising Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a report titled “Riding Is Risky Fun” summarizing motorcycle crash avoidance systems. It has a few surprising findings about the role that motorcycle safety training has in preventing crashes, and some not-so-surprising results about the use of helmets in preventing motorcycle fatalities.

According to the report, the use of antilock brake systems in motorcycles can prevent the risk of an accident by more than 37%. The IIHS found that motorcycles that come with antilock brakes are less likely to flip over when the brakes are applied. Those numbers are impressive enough for California motorcycle accident lawyers to wonder if incorporating anti lock brake systems as part of motorcycle design, can help lower fatality rates.

The study also indicates that not surprisingly, motorcycle use in states that require riders to wear helmets while riding, have a lower risk of fatality compared to states that do not have such strong helmet laws. States like California that require motorcyclists to wear helmets, tend to see fewer insurance claims from motorcyclists, compared to states like Illinois that have no motorcycle helmet laws at all. That is not surprising to Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers who strongly support the use of approved helmets as a means of reducing the risk of serious or fatal traumatic brain injury after a crash.

The biggest surprise in the study came from a finding that motorcyclists in states like California that require motorcyclists under 21 years of age to undergo a training course before they begin riding, actually have a higher risk of being involved in an accident. That goes against what California injury lawyers and safety groups believe - that a strong foundation in the form of a training program, helps make for better motorcyclists, and prevents accidents.

According to the study however, safety programs end too soon with a full license being granted to a motorcyclist who is below 21 years, and lacks enough experience and skills. The study seems to suggest that ultimately, motorcycling experience counts for more than safety training.